OUR last names can reveal a lot about our heritage.
They were traditionally given based on one's identity, occupation, location, or even personality traits - consider the surname Goodfellow, for example.
In the West Midlands alone there are 114,300 unique surnames, each with its own distinct history and meaning.
But how much do you really know about your own surname?
Using census data, the online genealogy service Forebears provides access to extensive databases listing the most prevalent surnames in specific areas.
Once you've discovered how common your surname is, why not delve further and uncover its meaning using the ancestry site Find My Past?
Here are some of the most popular surnames in the West Midlands, along with the intriguing stories behind them.
1) Smith: According to Forebears, there are approximately 34,000 individuals named Smith in the West Midlands, and it is the most common surname in England. As per Find My Past, it is an occupational surname that dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Birmingham Mail.
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This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Birmingham Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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